The showcase represents the final milestone of the undergraduate experience, where students present fully developed design theses grounded in human-centered, design-thinking approaches. Projects address real-world challenges across areas such as usability, sustainability, and product innovation, offering a glimpse into the next generation of design thinking.

For more than 20 years, the Product Design program has prepared students for professional practice through a curriculum focused on user-centered research, hands-on making, and industry engagement. Students regularly gain recognition in national competitions and benefit from strong professional preparation that supports successful careers in the field.

Graduates of the program have gone on to work at more than 80 major companies across the United States and internationally, reflecting the program’s long-standing commitment to excellence and industry relevance.

The Department of Art and Design invites students, faculty, alumni, industry partners, and the public to attend and celebrate the work of these emerging designers as they launch into their professional careers.

Product Design Senior Thesis Presentation

• April 29, 2026, 6:00 pm
• Presentation Hall, School of Communication and Media

The annual competition, presented by the in partnership with the World Traffic Safety Symposium and the National Road Safety Foundation, challenges students to design autonomous vehicle concepts that prioritize safety through innovative, human centered thinking. With nearly 40,000 lives lost each year on American roads, the competition asks emerging designers to imagine solutions that could meaningfully reduce traffic fatalities and reshape the future of transportation.

Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß students rose to the challenge, earning multiple top awards against a competitive field of design students. Under the leadership of Denis Feigler, Director of the Product Design Program, they were mentored and prepared to compete at a national level, contributing to these outstanding results.

First place was awarded to Pin-Chun Hsieh, whose concept stood out for its innovation, thoughtful design, and strong potential to improve road safety. Second place went to George McComas, followed by Bethany Maydole, who earned third place. In addition, Julian Henin, collaborating with Raphael Singh, received fifth place recognition.

Student proposals were evaluated by a panel of industry and safety experts, with projects judged on originality, aesthetics, overall presentation, and their potential to save lives. Each submission included both a detailed rendering and a three dimensional model, allowing students to fully realize and communicate their ideas.

In addition to national recognition, winners received scholarship awards as part of a prize pool exceeding ten thousand dollars, further supporting their continued education and creative development.

This achievement highlights the strength of Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß’s Art and Design students and their ability to engage with real world challenges through creative practice. By combining design innovation with social impact, these students are contributing to important conversations around safety, technology, and the future of mobility.

Titled AI: Actual Illustrators, the exhibition responds to the growing presence of artificial image-making by reaffirming the power of human creativity. From paintings, comics, and doodles to animations, visual development, and editorial illustration, each piece reflects the passion, skill, and individuality that can only come from the artist’s hand. This year’s exhibition features the work of 54 emerging artists pushing the boundaries of contemporary illustration.

Participating artists include Alex Allen-Walden, Hailey Amanna, Alison Ays, Amelie Barritas, Arianna Colon, Joe Corredor, Haley Feimster, Adrian Gonzales, Sam Herrera, Cameron Hill, Kayla Ianos, Abubacar Keita, Gavin Kisla, Jerusa Larancuent, Sophie Mahoney, Justine Massabny, Geraldine Medina Rodriguez, Oliver Nazzaro, Katherine Nicholas, Celeste Nova, Sam Olivo, Ashley Ortiz, Yuliya Pasechko, Priya Patel, Amber Paulino, Ayden Pavese, Kimberly Peralta, Perri Polyviou, Ethan Pozo, Nate Quintero, Abigail Reina, Angel Rodriguez, Liany Sanchez, Cyan Villar, Tiana Yurechko, Kaden Zofrea, Kelsey Ayala, Mel Aydogan, Yooyoung Chung, Emily Correa, Alexa D’Alessandro, Elias Galdamez, Jazmin Gamboa, Jayden Gentles, Brianna Ginart, Mee Hee Lim, Pauline Magos, Arianny Matos, Nic Morales, Odosa Obasuyi, Camila Pena-Marte, Elizabeth Seidemann, Jelena Wall, and Jailynn Winn.

Join us for the closing reception to meet and connect with the artists, explore the diverse range of work on view, and celebrate the achievements of this dynamic graduating class. Family, friends, faculty, and the public are warmly invited.

Mark your calendar and don’t miss this show!

BFA Illustration Thesis Exhibition

• Exhibition dates: April 9 – April 20, 2026
• Closing Reception: April 20 from 1:00–5:00pm
• Finley Gallery, Finley Hall
• Light refreshments will be served

This year’s theme, A Moment in Time, explores the profound idea that time is a constant force of movement and change. The show is designed to be a space of “distortion and discovery,” inviting the audience to step out of their daily routines to pause and appreciate the unique creativity unfolding before them. From the foundational techniques of introductory courses to the complex silhouettes of advanced draping, the runway will reflect a wide range of styles that challenge and redefine contemporary fashion.

Behind the scenes, the event is a masterclass in professional execution, produced and promoted by the class under the guidance of Professor Seth Howard. These students are responsible for the intricate orchestration of the show, gaining hands-on experience in event management, marketing, and the fast-paced world of fashion production. The runway will feature works from a diverse group of creators, including students from:

• ARTX 120: Intro to Apparel Construction
• ARTX 226: Intermediate Apparel Construction
• ARTX 322: Flat Pattern
• ARTX 422: Draping
• Independent Designers

In a significant addition to this year’s program, the show will debut a special collaboration with Rocky’s Closet, a Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß initiative that provides free professional attire to students. A dedicated segment of the show will feature curated looks styled entirely from Rocky’s Closet merchandise. This partnership highlights the university’s commitment to accessibility and demonstrates that professional style is achievable for every student.

The stakes for the evening are high, as a panel of three distinguished industry professionals will serve as the year’s juried judges:

• James Volpe – Principal of White Sneaker Consulting
• Jenni Lee – Fashion Stylist & Brand Consultant
• Utkarsh Gupta – Assistant Product Developer & Designer at Golden Touch (Private Label & Walmart Specialist)

In addition to awards granted by the judges for design excellence, the evening will also see the presentation of academic scholarships to talented students within the College of the Arts, celebrating their hard work both on the runway and in the classroom.

A Moment in Time will take place on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Memorial Auditorium on the Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß campus. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the show commencing at 6:00 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are available for $12, or can be purchased at the door for $15.

Accompanied by Professor A. T. Pratt, students from the Products and Zines course participated in the festival, held March 28 and 29 at the Metropolitan Pavilion and hosted by the Society of Illustrators. Now in its fifth year under Professor Pratt’s leadership, the course’s presence at MoCCA has become a hallmark experiential learning opportunity within the department.

Throughout the weekend, students independently ran their own exhibition table, presenting and selling original work to a large and engaged audience. Their offerings included comics, zines, prints, stickers, T-shirts, and handmade objects, many of which sold attendees eagerly supported emerging artists. This direct interaction with the public gave students invaluable real world experience in marketing, audience engagement, and creative entrepreneurship.

The 2026 festival drew thousands of artists, publishers, and fans, reinforcing its reputation as the city’s largest independent comics and cartoon event. For Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß students, the experience extended beyond sales. It was an opportunity to network with industry professionals, observe current trends in illustration and publishing, and situate their work within a broader creative community.

Over the past two years, the Products and Zines course has seen significant growth, expanding to three sections. In addition to Professor Pratt, this year’s sections were also taught by Professors Andre L Davis and Anthony Gambino, allowing for increased student participation and a larger presence at the festival.

The department also celebrates Professor Pratt’s individual achievement at this year’s festival. He was one of only fifteen artists to receive a MoCCA Award of Excellence for his comic Action Baby Comics: Animal Alphabet, a prestigious recognition highlighting outstanding work in the field.

Participating students included Angel Rodriguez, Ashley Ortiz Tovar, Justinee Massabny, Kelsey Ayala, Liany Sanchez, Jerusa Larancuent, Jazmin Gamboa, Jailynn Winn, Hailey Amanna, Abubacar Keita, Alana Schwartz, Alexa D’Alessandro, Amelie Barritas, Arianny Matos, Camila Pena Marte, Celeste Nova, Cyan Villar, Gavin Kisla, Elias Galdamez, Kaden Zofrea, Katherine Nicholas, Kimberly Peralta, Liz Seidemann, Maura Mayfield, Melissa Aydogan, Nate Quintero, Pauline Magos, Sean Wall, Simone Lino, and Skyla Vera.

The Department of Art and Design is incredibly proud of these students for their professionalism, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Their success at MoCCA reflects the strength of Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß’s commitment to hands-on, career focused learning experiences that prepare students to thrive in the evolving landscape of contemporary art and design.

This ongoing initiative highlights the power of art and design as tools for communication, advocacy, and connection. Selected works will be exhibited at Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß’s Finley Gallery, with a larger showcase at the Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß Art Museum from May 2 through May 31, 2026, bringing student voices into a broader public space.

In addition to exhibition opportunities, the top three designs will be published in The Normal Review and awarded a $100 cash prize, recognizing both creative excellence and the importance of the message behind the work.

The project remains open to all students enrolled at Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß and the Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß Art Museum, reinforcing a shared commitment to collaboration across education and cultural institutions. With the deadline recently extended to Tuesday, March 31 at 11:59 pm, students have an additional opportunity to participate in this impactful initiative.

As the collaboration continues to develop, it reflects a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary partnerships that connect art, education, and community well being, demonstrating how design can play a vital role in shaping conversations that matter.

What unfolded throughout the week was nothing short of unforgettable. The atmosphere was grounded in culture, mentorship, and purpose, as panelists and attendees reflected on the extraordinary career of Freddie Leiba and the countless lives he has impacted. His legacy is defined not only by professional achievement, but by his commitment to opening doors, creating opportunity, and using fashion as a platform for empowerment and lasting change.

The discussion offered a powerful reminder that fashion history extends far beyond garments and trends. It is rooted in people, leadership, and the meaningful impact individuals leave behind. Through his vision and dedication to mentorship, Leiba has influenced fashion in ways that reach into culture, education, and access for emerging creatives.

The space itself was filled with a palpable sense of gratitude, love, and collective respect, reflecting the vibrant community Leiba has cultivated over the years. To witness and participate in honoring a living legacy was a profound experience for all involved.

Special thanks are extended to Neva Palmer, a Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß student, for attending and supporting the event. Her presence underscores the importance of bridging education, culture, and industry, and highlights the role students play in carrying these legacies forward.

With immense gratitude, Professor Panchu celebrates the life, leadership, and enduring impact of Freddie Leiba, a visionary whose work continues to inspire and shape future generations in fashion and beyond.
For more information about The Fashion Alliance Network, please visit .

Venture into the world of graphic design at the VCDS 2026 graduate exhibition, From the Basement. This exhibition highlights the work of graduating Visual Communication Design students and the projects they developed throughout their time in the VCDS BFA program. A range of mediums will be featured, including posters, motion graphics, packaging, editorial, and more! Together, these works reflect the unique styles and creative voices of the class.

We are excited to share this pivotal moment with you! Please join us at the opening reception on Friday, March 27 from 4 to 6pm to meet the designers behind the creations! The exhibition will run from March 25 to April 7, inviting visitors to stop by and experience the work on display.

Join us in supporting and celebrating the next generation of designers as they adjust from academia to the professional world.

Featured Designers:

Jalen Aguirre, Ysabella De Leon, Brett Diese, Domenic Falivene, Anna Fronczkowski, Tori Gallagher, Camila Garcia, Robert Gaskill, Britany Giraldo, David Guerra, Audrey Hitchens, Natalia Kurpiewski, Paolo La Rosa, Izzy Latella, Katie Mascuch, Caitlin Mendoza, Evan Okun,
Erika Oliva, Julia Oliveri, Christian Pajaro, Nicole Ricci, Christopher Rizzi, Casey Ryu, Tom Sheridan, Michael Shimabukuro, Gabby Trezza, Maral Tutunjian, and Dogan Uludogan

BFA Visual Communications Design Graduate Exhibition

• Exhibition dates: March 25 – April 7, 2026
• Opening Reception: Friday, March 27, 2026, 4:00–6:00 pm
• Finley Gallery, Finley Hall

The ISII exhibition is the culmination of a six-week journey shared by visual arts majors across two sections of Integrative Studio II. Using the piñata as a point of origin for their investigation, the artists delved deeply into the subject to expand their understanding of its history, materiality, and cultural significance. Building on this initial research, they created artworks across media exploring a range of themes, including construction, deconstruction, regeneration, and transformation. The artists themselves collectively organized this public sharing of their work—together they met the challenge of presenting a visual throughline within the shared gallery spaces while still highlighting the unique voices of each class, as reflected by the two exhibition subtitles: From the Outside In, and Divergence of Reactions.

From the Outside In led by Professor Jess Blaustein

Marley Balkau, Sandra Benlian, Emily Carrasco Perez, Ibelis Feliciano, Lisette Flor, Nila Freeman, Lena Harrison, Jenny Hernandez, Chloe Hwang, Brianna Mariconda, Hannah Michelson, Yanilda Munoz, Yan Bing Tan

From the Outside In features diverse works of thirteen artists from Integrative Studio 2, providing an intimate glimpse into their personal memories, emotions, and cultural backgrounds. From larger than life to up close and personal, these exceptional works touch upon the wondrous human experience on a whole new level.

Divergence of Reactions led by Professor Genevieve Lowe

Ofelia Alves, David Arrigoni, Anandria Campbell, Kalee Chaudhry, Kaitlyn Ferguson, Andrew Frazier, Keith Melendez, Bridget Perez, Stanley Piercin, Shyeann Rapley, Francois Rivero, Swetha Sivakumar, Sam Wortche

Divergence of Reactions shares works made by a diverse group of growing artists. The artists cover a wide range of topics in their work, bravely sharing emotional themes such as anxiety, depression, and different forms of abuse. Additional elements the work addresses include beauty, sportsmanship, fragility of life and more – giving viewers a window into the artists personal experiences.

Integrative Studio II Student-led Exhibition

• Finley Gallery, Finley Hall
• Exhibition dates: March 3 – March 6, 2026
• Opening Reception: Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026, 3:00pm–4:30pm

Students can play modern board games and dive into immersive VR experiences.

Faculty can incorporate games across disciplines to support critical thinking, collaboration, storytelling, systems analysis, and experiential learning. The Game Hub supports course integration, project-based work, and experimentation with game-based and game-informed pedagogy, whether for a single class session or an entire course.

The Game Hub is an extension of Livia Alexander’s research, which was completed as part of Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß’s Higher Education Academic Leadership (HEAL) Program. Alexander is a Professor of Art and Design and, as a participant of the HEAL Program, explored game-based learning and play tools for community building, pedagogy, and interdisciplinary engagement.

The Game Hub has been made possible by University Libraries’ sponsorship and The ADP Center for Learning Technologies’ partnership.

Visitor Information

Location: The ADP Center for Learning Technologies (University Hall 1140), Â鶹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß

Availability: Monday – Thursday: 9 AM – 8 PM; Friday: 9 AM – 3 PM

About the Higher Education Academic Leadership (HEAL) Program

The HEAL Fellowship program provides opportunities for faculty to identify and study an important problem or challenge facing higher education and propose a scalable and impactful intervention that ultimately supports the success of students, faculty, staff, or the university.

Story by Social Media and Communications Coordinator Lauren Conforti